Mathew Chetnik, first year experience director, has been invited to join the Penguin Random House advisory board to advise on best practices, act as a sounding board, and advocate to the community of programs around the country on issues relating to common reading programs at the college and university level.
Salem State University's first year reading experience (FYRE) program was established in 2009 as one of the first major initiatives out of the Foundations of Excellence study, which included recommendations to enhance the experience of first-year students. Mathew Chetnik established the program in collaboration with Michelle Pierce, professor in education. Since that time, FYRE has exposed thousands of students to works of literature which allow them to explore ideas and issues relevant to the campus experience and society more broadly.
The program has also enriched the student experience from day one by bringing authors to campus like Piper Kerman (Orange is the New Black), Tom Perotta (The Leftovers), Moustafa Bayoumi (How Does it Feel to Be a Problem), and John Elder Robison (Look Me in the Eye) as well as inspiring social justice leaders like Diana Hwang (founder of the Asian-American Women's Political Initiative), Lorenzo Santillan (whose story inspired Spare Parts), and Lenelle Moise (poet, actress, and playwright).
Students at the university consistently report that FYRE allows them to explore ideas they may not have otherwise thought about as they begin their college journey. Beyond their first year, students report that they continue reflecting on, learning from, and taking action regarding the issues presented in the selected book.